By the end of the course, we expect you to be able to do the following:

Explain the difference between focused and diffuse modes of thinking. Be able to practically apply this knowledge to solve problems and understand concepts with less frustration.
Relate key techniques proven by research to help students learn most efficiently
Describe common illusions of learning, and explain how to most effectively help yourself to avoid these illusions.
Explain how working memory and long term memory differ from one another.
Explain what a chunk is, and how and why you can and should enhance your chunking skills.
Use metaphor, story, and visualization to allow pre-existing neural scaffolds to help in improving memory as well as to assist in learning more quickly and deeply
Apply proven and effective techniques dealing with procrastination.
Describe the most important aspects of proper test preparation.
Relate latest research findings explaining why sleep is so important in learning and memory.
Explain why multi-tasking (trying to do more than one task at the same time) makes it more difficult to grasp concepts.
Explain the importance of “mindset” in learning. Describe how some famous people in history defied all odds to go from failure to success through a change in their mindset.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of working with other students in your studies.When would you want to work with other students? When would it be better to work alone?
As a consequence of your interactions with other students in this course, explain some of the commonalities and differences of learners from around the world.

Recommended Background
No background is necessary for this course, which is suitable for everyone from college and high school students to advanced professors in the social science, humanities, and STEM disciplines who wish to help their students learn better. __ More information

The MOOC (massive open online course) phenomenon is taking the educational world by a slow-building storm. As young people and adults gain the power to de-couple advanced learning from lengthy enrollments in expensive bricks-and-mortar universities, useful skills become further divorced from university credentials — and university indoctrination. Many MOOCs are completely free. Others require a fee for a printed certificate of completion.

The opening up of opportunities for learning allowed by online courses is one of the most exciting building revolutions in education. More on this phenomenon here.

In the future, online learning will incorporate more technologies of virtual reality, including haptics. In addition, elements of neurofeedback and various types of brain stimulation, will add powerful reinforcements to new learning technologies and online pedagogy. All of these learning technologies will speed the widespread availability and adaptation of ultra-fast broadband services.

This is not “the next level,” but it should help enable the transition for any Dangerous Children who are oriented in that direction.